4.6: Trouble Spots in Language- If. . . Sentences in the Past

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The Problem

Look at the following sentence. What is wrong with it?

Example \(\PageIndex{1}\)

If Jon had taken the flight from Newark Airport, he would of been killed.

Solution

When we are speaking, we often say: “he would’ve …” or “she might’ve …” This makes us think that in writing, we need to use the word of. This is incorrect. The correct structure is as follows:

If Jon had taken the flight from Newark Airport, he would have been killed.

You try it!

Complete the following sentences in your own words. Use your own ideas!

1. If the boys had not taunted Angela, she __________________________________.

2. If Rhonda had not confronted the boys, they __________________________________.

3. If the children had not gone blind, they __________________________________.

4. If Ken had not travelled to Belgium, he __________________________________.

5. If Rosa had not gone to America, she __________________________________.

Now write five sentences about your own life.

6. ________________________________________________________________________

7. ________________________________________________________________________

8. ________________________________________________________________________

9. ________________________________________________________________________

10. ________________________________________________________________________